Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada on a Super Visa is wonderful news — the insurance bill, a little less so. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requires at least $100,000 in medical coverage, valid for a minimum of one year from the date of entry, from a Canadian insurer or an approved provider, covering healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation.
The requirement is non-negotiable. The premium, however, depends on choices you control. Here are five that genuinely move the needle.
1. Choose a higher deductible
The deductible is the amount you pay yourself before the insurer steps in. Going from $0 to $1,000 — or higher — can shave a meaningful percentage off the annual premium.
The rule of thumb: pick the highest deductible you could pay comfortably, in cash, tomorrow morning. Savings that leave you unable to cover a claim aren’t savings.
2. Spread the cost with a payment plan
A year of coverage paid in one shot can be a shock to the budget. Several Canadian insurers offer monthly or instalment plans. The total cost stays the same, but the cash-flow hit is far gentler — and it keeps you from cutting coverage just to fit a single payment.
3. Compare several insurers — not just one
For identical coverage, premiums between Canadian insurers can vary substantially, because each one prices age, pre-existing conditions and stability periods differently. A broker can compare up to five providers in a single conversation.
Try our Super Visa premium estimator to see the range before you commit.
4. Insure both parents together
When both parents or grandparents travel together, some insurers apply a discount — often around 5% — for two travellers on the same application. It isn’t automatic and it isn’t advertised loudly, so ask for it explicitly.
5. Stay loyal — and ask about refunds
If your parents visit regularly, renewing with the same insurer can unlock loyalty pricing on subsequent years. And if they leave Canada earlier than planned, most policies allow a partial refund of the unused portion — provided no claim was made and you submit proof of departure. Confirm the refund rules before you buy.
One thing not to cut: honesty on the medical questionnaire
The cheapest premium in the world is worthless if the claim is denied. Declare pre-existing conditions accurately and check the stability period that applies. See our guide on unstable medical conditions to understand how insurers assess them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum Super Visa insurance requirement?
At least $100,000 in medical coverage, valid for a minimum of one year from entry, from a Canadian insurer or approved provider, covering healthcare, hospitalization and repatriation.
Does a higher deductible really lower the premium?
Yes — noticeably. Just make sure you could pay that deductible out of pocket if a claim happens.
Can I pay monthly?
Several insurers offer monthly or instalment plans. The total is the same, but the payments are far easier to absorb.
Is there a discount for two travellers?
Some insurers apply around 5% when two people are insured on the same application. Ask your broker which ones do for your dates and ages.
Can I get a refund if they leave early?
Usually yes — a partial refund of the unused portion, if no claim was made and you provide proof of departure.